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VENOM

By October 17, 2018Film Club

Release Date: 3rd October 2018

Investigative journalist Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) has his life turned upside down when he is bonded with an alien symbiote known as Venom. As shady scientist Carlton Drake (Riz Ahmed) threatens all life on earth, Brock must unleash the powers of Venom to save the world.

This Marvel comics adaptation bears little resemblance to the characters and world that it draws inspiration from. The design of the symbiote suit is straight off the pages but the characterisation of Venom itself – a forced attempt at fast-tracking the monster into the role of anti-hero – is clunky and unearned by a generally lazy script.

Hardy looks to be having a lot of fun with the role and often provides a decent distraction from the film’s other shortcomings. The relationship between Brock and his “parasite” is genuinely funny at times, if a little cheesey in places. Meanwhile, Michelle Williams’ love interest fades into the background, as does Ahmed’s thoroughly unconvincing villain.

The CGI holds up better in some places than others, amid a succession of bland action sequences that build to an anti-climactic finish, followed by the obligatory sequel-baiting post-credits sting.

Overall, a disappointing use of a great comicbook character and a lot of missed potential leaves this one as little more than – in the words of Venom himself – “a turd in the wind”.

Reviewed by: Matt Allen

Rating: 1/5 stars